Registrations have opened for this year’s much anticipated DestinationQ forum, the Queensland Government’s peak industry event for tourism.

The ground-breaking forum begins at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on 27 August.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said DestinationQ will ensure government and industry focus on maximising Queensland’s tourism opportunities over the next 20 years.

As part of the two-day program, attendees will also evaluate industry and government progress since the inaugural 2012 event.

“The Newman Government and industry have worked hard under a landmark partnership agreement to act on the outcomes of the first DestinationQ in Cairns last year,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The Cairns forum called for action to boost ecotourism, reduce red tape and improve partnerships.  I am pleased to say that improvements have been made in all these areas.

“As always, we are looking to the future to consider what a successful and competitive tourism industry will look like between now and 2033.

“This year’s DestinationQ forum is a great opportunity for the industry to shape its future by considering trends that are influencing people’s choices in tourism destinations.

“Around 300 tourism representatives from all regions, organisations, and industry sectors will be chosen to take part at DestinationQ 2013.

“I urge those who want to shape the future of this exciting and significant industry to register their interest now.”

Ms Stuckey said the event would also be attended by the Premier and several other government Ministers whose portfolios relate to tourism.

Those interested in having their say on Queensland tourism’s future or checking progress since DestinationQ 2012, can visit www.destq.com.au/20-year-plan (external site) where research into the future trends in tourism can also be found.

Registrations for DestinationQ 2013 are open for three weeks from today, and close at 5pm June 7.

 [ENDS] May 17 2013

Almost 100,000 additional tourists a year will be able to visit Brisbane with Emirates’ first regular A380 services into the city.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey today welcomed the airline’s decision to significantly increase its capacity to and from the state’s capital from October.

“This is clearly great news for Queensland and Brisbane tourism operators and businesses, and the Newman Government plans to make the most of the opportunity to boost tourist numbers in regional areas too,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Almost 100,000 additional seats will be available each year via the important Dubai-Brisbane and Auckland-Brisbane routes, helping to lift international visitor numbers as well as contributing up to an estimated $23 million annually to the Queensland economy.”

Emirates is the first international airline to introduce a scheduled A380 service into Queensland, upgrading the aircraft from the existing Boeing 777-300ERs, and it is a major global operator with connections throughout Europe and the UK.

Ms Stuckey said the State Government had established an $8 million Attracting Aviation Investment Fund to secure new aviation business and routes into Queensland.

“The State Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), will work with Emirates to utilise the fund to develop marketing activities around the new route,” she said.

The airline’s decision means Queensland will benefit from the Emirates and Qantas global partnership.

Today’s announcement also means more passenger connections with Queensland from London, Manchester, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and Moscow; via the major hub of Dubai.

Emirates’ partnership with Qantas will allow for a more seamless transit for international passengers to access multiple destinations throughout the state.

Ms Stuckey said the additional capacity on Emirates flights from October is another boost for Queensland tourism, one of the four pillars of the economy.

“This exciting announcement also supports the State Government’s goal of reaching $30 billion in overnight visitor expenditure by 2020,” she said.

Last year Queensland welcomed more than two million international visitors, a five per cent increase compared with 2011.

Thousands of visitors from Australia and overseas are expected from today on the Sunshine Coast for the prestigious Noosa International Food and Wine Festival.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the festival, now in its 10th year, continued to provide a premier food and wine experience.

“Running from today until Sunday night, the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival is one of the most anticipated culinary-tourism events in Australia,” Ms Stuckey said.

“It’s enviable status is a credit to organisers who are showcasing the best of Queensland’s produce and the best of the Sunshine Coast as a holiday and events destination.

“Last year’s event attracted more than 26,000 people, and this year visitors from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and countries such as New Zealand and Singapore will enjoy more than 150 culinary events.

Member for Noosa Glen Elmes, who will attend the festival on Saturday, noted how the event had grown to become an integral part of Noosa’s community and events calendar.

“It is fantastic to see this festival mature into such a vibrant and significant celebration for the region that attracts domestic and international visitors, many of whom will make return visits and ensure the local economy gets a boost,” Mr Elmes said.

“An unparalleled line-up of global culinary stars will take part, including 10 chefs from the prestigious S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurant List, while fantastic events include the Seafood Feast on the Beach, the Sunset Concert in Noosa National Park and the Qantas Premier International Degustation Dinner.”

Festivities are spread across the Sunshine Coast with food trails throughout the hinterland, culinary cruises on the river and the great range of Sunshine Coast restaurants being showcased.

Ms Stuckey said events delivered economic and social benefits to all sectors of the host community and the State Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), was proud to support the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival in its 10th year.

TEQ CEO Steven Wright said the organisation’s promotion of the event extended internationally to New Zealand and Singapore, helping attract visitors and boost the Sunshine Coast’s tourism industry.

“TEQ supports the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival as a signature event on the Sunshine Coast, offering visitors the opportunity to experience fantastic regional produce in an iconic Queensland tourism destination,” Mr Wright said.

“International journalists, including writers from China, Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore, are also coming to the festival; with one group taking an extended tour of the Sunshine Coast to sample its culinary credentials.”

Ms Stuckey highlighted tourism’s importance to the Sunshine Coast region, with 2.9 million international and Australian visitors to the region last year, a two per cent increase from 2011.

“Those visitors also spent more, up six per cent to $1.8 billion,” she said.

For more information on the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival, visit www.noosafoodandwine.com.au.

 [ENDS] 16 May 2013

Small business in Queensland will find it easier to operate and capitalise on jobs and growth opportunities, after the Newman Government released a strategic plan today.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the Queensland Small Business Strategy and Action Plan 2013-2015 will build on the Government’s Blueprint for Queensland small business.

“This is the first time the Queensland Government has delivered a Strategy and Action Plan specifically for small business that prioritises government investment, policy development and service delivery,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Our vision is for the state’s 412,000 small businesses to be profitable, innovative and resilient.

“The Newman Government understands the importance of small businesses to every town and city.

“We are strongly focused on creating an environment for business success and getting government ‘out of the way’, so operators can get on with running their enterprise.

“Substantial progress has already been made in getting the sector back on track by delivering on our commitments to reduce red tape, reform the skills and training system and lower payroll tax.

“This Strategy and Action Plan will build on these efforts and help us work towards our goal of four per cent unemployment by 2018.

“We are cutting red tape by 20 per cent across government agencies to simplify how business is done.

“The deletion of 20 green tape thresholds means that more than 9,000 small business operators are no longer required to hold a licence, saving an estimated $6.18 million in annual fees.”

Ms Stuckey said in its first year, the Newman Government had increased the payroll tax exemption threshold from $1 million to $1.1 million, with 90 per cent of Queensland employers now exempt from paying the tax.

As part of the Government’s skills and training system reforms, $86 million will be allocated to create 10,000 additional apprenticeship places over six years.

The Newman Government has also identified more than $1 million in funding for initiatives to directly assist small, micro and non-employing businesses.

“This funding will strengthen our online business service delivery, improve awareness of the government’s business services, and help small business get its fair share of procurement opportunities,” Ms Stuckey said.

Ms Stuckey welcomed the input of the small business sector in shaping the Queensland Small Business Strategy and Action Plan 2013-2015, in particular Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ).

The small business sector represents more than 96 per cent of businesses state-wide, employing about half of all private sector workers.

Copies of the Queensland Small Business Strategy and Action Plan 2013-2015 are available online from the Queensland Business and Industry Portal at www.business.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 16 May 2013

An Airport Ambassador, Online Marketer and Ecology Student represent the top three potential ‘Park Rangers’ announced today for Queensland’s ‘Best Job in the World’.

The ‘Best Jobs in the World’ is a Tourism Australia campaign targeting global youth travellers, involving six of the country’s state and territory tourism organisations including Tourism and Events Queensland.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the three candidates vying for the popular ‘Park Ranger’ position in Queensland came from France, Hong Kong and Scotland.

“Candidates were selected from 100,000 expressions of interest and almost 10,000 video entries and have spent the past few weeks sourcing supporting references for their applications,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The top three candidates have proven their ability in generating extensive in-market media coverage, creating strong social media profiles and attracting high-profile endorsements.

“Support was also secured from Scottish wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan, Asian pop sensation Hubert Wu and environmental group ‘Foundation Nicolas Hulot’.”

Ms Stuckey said the top three candidates would travel to Queensland in June for the final stage of the recruitment process.

“Candidates will undergo a series of challenges when they arrive in the state,” she said.

“These include monitoring Queensland’s beaches, exploring rainforest canopies, learning about bush tucker and translating their findings into blog posts, photo diaries and media interviews.

“The successful candidate for Queensland’s Best Job in the World, the ‘Park Ranger’, will work alongside experienced guides and tourism operators to showcase the State’s natural assets to the world.

“Queensland boasts hundreds of national and marine parks, with amazing nature-based tourism experiences.

“This campaign is one of many initiatives supported by the Government through Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) to assist in reaching the Government’s goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020.”

The three Queensland candidates are in a field of 18 finalists competing for six dream jobs across the country. The six winners will be officially announced in Sydney on 21 June 2013.

Tourism Australia’s ‘Best Jobs in the World’ competition, builds on Queensland’s internationally-acclaimed 2009 Best Job in the World campaign and is part of a major international marketing push to promote tourism opportunities provided by Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program.

The top three candidates for Queensland are:

·         Chris Leung from Hong Kong

·         Elisa Detrez from France

·         Jo Muskus from Scotland

For more information, visit – to www.australia.com/bestjobs (external site)

[ENDS] 15 May 2013

Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey MP is encouraging Currumbin locals to show their appreciation for our emergency service volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week from May 13 – May 19.

“More than 40,000 Queensland volunteers dedicated more than 27 million minutes last year to keep our community safe and this week gives us the opportunity to recognise their efforts,” Ms Stuckey Said.

“In the Currumbin community we have SES Volunteers, Local Ambulance Committee members and other emergency volunteers who give up their time to provide some of our most important services.

“On behalf of our community I wish to acknowledge and thank the tens of thousands of volunteers who have assisted with emergencies and disaster preparation over the past year; they are the real heroes.

“I would also like to encourage anyone thinking of becoming a volunteer to take up the challenge, knowing you have our support.”

State wide there are more than 5,900 SES volunteers, 35,000 Royal Fire Service volunteers and the Queensland Ambulance Service has approximately 1,750 volunteers.

 For more information, visit www.ses.qld.gov.au, www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/volunteer, www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Volunteering or www.volunteeringqld.org.au

 [ENDS]

Following its success in 2012, Australians will be invited to spy a Queensland holiday as part of the second instalment of the ‘I Spy’ national tourism marketing campaign.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the campaign had delivered strong results for participating operators last September, who recorded a 49 per cent increase in bookings compared to the year prior.

 ”The campaign draws on the nostalgia of many Australians’ childhoods – leveraging off the I spy with my little eye game and encouraging holidaymakers to spy a great Queensland holiday experience this month,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The aim of this joint Tourism and Events Queensland and Wotif.com campaign is to build on the momentum of last year’s campaign and drive holiday bookings throughout Queensland’s winter months.

 ”This activity supports the Queensland Government’s goal of reaching $30 billion in overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.”

Ms Stuckey said from Saturday more than 400 Queensland holiday deals would be promoted via radio, print and digital advertising as well as on Wotif.com and through the company’s tourism activities and experiences arm GoDo.

“Through Wotif.com’s assets, the campaign will reach an estimated 1.6 million Wotif.com subscribers in Australia and New Zealand, plus more than 450,000 TEQ e-newsletter subscribers,” she said.

Wotif.com Product Director Donna Rodios said the Brisbane-based company was thrilled to once again team up with TEQ.

“We’re proud to build on the momentum of last year’s successful campaign and to continue to encourage holidaymakers to take advantage of the great destinations we have in our backyard,” Ms Rodios said.

“As we all know, Queensland has plenty of ‘I Spy’ material and there’s no better way of ticking more off your ‘I Spy’ bucket list than on a drive holiday in the state.”

Ms Stuckey said to build on the ‘I Spy’ campaign, TEQ would roll out a print marketing campaign, promoting drive holidays in Queensland to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne travellers.

“Drive tourism was identified as a priority niche market following last year’s DestinationQ forum and this activity forms part of the Government’s Queensland Drive Tourism Strategy 2013-2015,” Ms Stuckey said.

“A series of regional travel itineraries have also been developed to inspire potential visitors to travel wider and stay longer in Queensland, and are available on Queensland.com.

“This marketing activity has been supported by the $20 million Tourism Investment Strategy, helping to drive visitors to Queensland and support our tourism industry.”

For more information about the ‘I Spy’ phase two campaign visit www.wotif.com.

 For more information about the travel itineraries visit www.queensland.com.

 [ENDS] 11 May 2013

The Big Day Out is being given a new home at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast. In January, the State Government and BDO came to an agreement that guaranteed the event.

BDO organisers have secured a new site for the music festival, ensuring its economic benefits stay within the region. The move from the Parklands site was necessary to make way for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games athletes village to be built, with preparation and early works underway later this year.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the outcome was a win-win for local businesses and festival goers on the coast.

“This decision brings certainty not only for the event organisers but also for other businesses and music lovers benefitting from the festival,” Ms Stuckey said.

“BDO is a major event for the Gold Coast which this year attracted 45,000 festival goers from Queensland and interstate, delivering about $30m to the local economy.

“Metricon Stadium is a great choice as the new venue and confirms BDO will remain on the Gold Coast for another five years, which is a great outcome.”

Big Day Out’s CEO Adam Zammit said: “Big Day Out founder Ken West, myself and our partners C3 Presents are very excited to be moving into a great new venue for 2014, a year which will see our biggest and best line-up in years.”

“The Gold Coast show is the first stop on the Australian run of Big Day Out dates and for the many international acts who have never visited Australia, it’s always great to fly them into the Goldie first.

“Our new venue meets the highest of our expectations and standards and we hope will be the home of Big Day Out for years to come.”

[ENDS] 9 May 2013

The largest ever tourism investment promoting Fraser Coast as Australia’s signature whale watching destination will make a splash when the ‘Harvey and the Humpbacks’ campaign starts in June.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the record $500,000 package included a boost for this year’s ‘Harvey and the Humpbacks’ campaign and additional support for industry development activities.

“Whale watching is an important tourism drawcard for the Fraser Coast region and this educational marketing campaign supports the exceptionally high environmental and operating standards of the Hervey Bay whale watching industry,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Hervey Bay is where the whales choose to ‘holiday’ each year from July to November, and the Fraser Coast community are recognised as industry pioneers in terms of developing world acclaimed, quality and accredited whale watching experiences for visitors.

“Each year the local industry estimate that the whale watching season attracts around 50,000 visitors to the Fraser Coast region, injecting approximately $80 million in to the local economy.

“This campaign is one of many initiatives supported by the State Government through Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) to support destination marketing and will assist in reaching the goal of $30 billion in overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.

“The commitment includes $400,000 for this year’s ‘Harvey and the Humpbacks’ campaign – an increased campaign investment which receives support from Tourism Fraser Coast and industry.

“An additional $100,000 has also been allocated for industry development activities to enable the Fraser Coast tourism industry to maximise the benefits they receive from this marketing activity. The plan for this investment will be developed by TEQ in partnership with Tourism Fraser Coast and in close consultation with industry.”

Ms Stuckey said the ‘Harvey and Humpbacks’ concept was originally launched in 2011 to unite and promote Fraser Coast whale watching operators in a creative way, capturing the attention of Australians and encouraging them to travel to the region. “This year’s campaign will feature TV, radio, print, online and outdoor advertisements promoting the Fraser Coast whale watching season,” she said.

The Fraser Coast annually welcomes around 6,000 humpback whales which stop to play in the calm Hervey Bay waters and is therefore the perfect destination to experience one of nature’s most impressive natural encounters.

Tourism is an important industry for the Fraser Coast with 745,000 domestic and international tourists travelling to the region in 2012. Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen welcomed the extra funding.

“The permit system for our whale watch operators within the Hervey Bay Marine Park remains protected,’’ Mr Sorensen said.

“With the retention of the permit system, no other whale watch operators can come into our marine park.

“We also have the benefit of an extra $200,000, compared with last year for the development and promotion of the Hervey Bay whale watch industry.’’

Locals and visitors can grab front row seats to see the humpbacks perform on the Fraser Coast from June by visiting – www.queensland.com/whales

The ‘Harvey and the Humpbacks’ campaign is coordinated by Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Fraser Coast, the Fraser Coast Council with the support of Fraser Coast tourism operators.

[ENDS] 9 May 2013

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) will launch its largest ever American tourism marketing campaign in conjunction with major United States carrier Delta Air Lines.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said Delta Air Lines flies more travellers than any other airline, at 160 million global travellers annually.

“The campaign will run through May and June and be promoted via Delta’s extensive network,” Ms Stuckey said.

“It will highlight the fact that Americans flying to Australia with Delta can seamlessly travel to other Queensland destinations through Delta’s alliance with Virgin Australia.

“Campaigns like these in the US, a priority overseas market, are part of the State Government’s $20 million Tourism Investment Strategy to attract visitors to Queensland and support our tourism industry.”

Ms Stuckey said Americans have a love affair with Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef and the campaign will showcase the state’s islands, beaches and native wildlife encounters like swimming with turtles and diving the reef.

“Queensland last year welcomed 160,000 Americans to the state, an eight per cent increase from 2011,” she said.

“Last year’s visitors also spent more, up nine per cent from 2011 to $258 million, so this campaign will capitalise on this momentum.

“The campaign coincides well with Tourism Australia’s ‘There’s Nothing Like Australia’ US campaign with Delta’s partner airline Virgin Australia, ensuring a coordinated international marketing effort.”

Tourism Australia Regional General Manager The Americas, Jane Whitehead, said Tourism Australia continued to work closely with its US partners to capitalise on the steady growth of visitor arrivals.

“Our new ‘There’s Nothing Like Australia’ campaign with Virgin Australia and Queensland’s program with Delta Air Lines are complementary promotions to show Americans the many travel options to Australia,” Ms Whitehead said.

The campaign with Delta Air Lines includes:

•Online, inflight entertainment and inflight magazine elements

•A special iPad app that will showcase Queensland experiences, dining and shopping and feature on the airline’s homepage

•Promotion of special packages to Queensland via Delta’s holiday arm, Delta Vacations

•A give-away of 4.5 million Delta frequent flyer miles for travel to Queensland

•A ‘bonus miles’ incentive to encourage travellers to stay at least five nights in the state.

Ms Stuckey said tourism was one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy and campaigns such as this one helped support the State Government’s goal of $30 billion in overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.

[ENDS] 6 May 2013